Eastern Bluebird Profile

The bluebird is a sign of love, hope and happiness. Bird watchers love the beautiful coloring and sweet song of the bluebird. They also are very interested in the survival of this bird. They help bluebirds survive by putting out nest boxes for them. That's because there are fewer nesting sites available in nature today, so the man-made nest boxes help them survive by giving them a place to nest.

Interesting Facts:

Family:

Turdidae

Scientific Name:

Sialia sialis

Location:

Eastern Bluebirds are found in all areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, as well as southeast Canada and parts of Mexico. They live in open woodlands, clearings, farmlands, parks, orchards, and other open areas.

Migration:

Bluebirds migrate during severe winters. Some go to the southern United States, while others travel into Mexico and into Central America. If the winter is not severe and they stay in their region, they will group together and seek shelter in heavy shrubbed areas or other areas with adequate food and cover.

Nesting:

Bluebirds are cavity nesters. They rely upon the abandoned cavities of woodpeckers or rotted-out stumps or fence posts. They will also use man made nest boxes. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs, and males help by guarding the nest during construction, delivering food to the female, and helping feed nestlings.

Diet:

They eat insects. In winter periods where insects are scarce, they will eat dried fruits left on trees and plants. The availability of food in winter determines whether they will migrate.

Size and Color:

About 7" long, the adult male has bright blue upper parts, and a rusty-red throat, breast and sides. Female wings are a duller blue than the male's, and they have a brownish throat, breast and sides.

Song:

The Bluebird song is relatively quiet and very sweet, a chur-wi, or a tru-a-lee in soft gurgling notes.

Attract Them:

Though bluebirds usually won't visit seed feeders, they will eat at feeders offering mealworms or suet. Attract them in nesting season with a cedar nest box placed in an open area.